Nailers Sign Former Kelly Cup Champion, Mike Ratchuk
August 9, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV - The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are thrilled to announce their fourth player signing of the 2013 offseason. Wheeling has signed defenseman Mike Ratchuk to an ECHL contract.
"Mike is an offensive defenseman, who has an incredibly high hockey IQ, is a dynamic skater, and brings a solid shot from the blueline," said Head Coach Clark Donatelli. "Having been in the pros for five years, I believe he will work well with our younger players, and I am looking forward to seeing him bring the experience of winning a Kelly Cup Championship with Florida into our locker room."
Ratchuk, 25, will be entering his sixth professional season, after spending parts of each of the previous two years with the Florida Everblades. Mike joined the Everblades in January of 2012, when he was traded to Florida by the Elmira Jackals. After registering 11 points in 21 games with the Jackals, the blueliner went on to tally 21 points in 26 regular season games with the Everblades, before turning in six more points in the playoffs, as Florida captured its first ever Kelly Cup Title. This past season, Ratchuk returned to Florida, following a 42-game stint in Austria. Once again, his numbers went up, as Mike compiled 11 points in 42 games with Ljubljana Olimpija HK, before racking up 20 points in 31 games with the Everblades.
"Since I started playing, I've always enjoyed jumping up into the play and creating offense whenever I can," Ratchuk said. "I like to use my speed to join the rush, while also being able to get back and be responsible defensively."
During his five previous seasons as a pro, the South Buffalo, NY native has also spent 149 games in the American Hockey League, suiting up with the Philadelphia/Adirondack Phantoms, Syracuse Crunch, Springfield Falcons, and Binghamton Senators. His pro career started with the Phantoms in the spring of 2008, after his second year at Michigan State University, and having been drafted in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. Ratchuk's most successful AHL campaign came as a rookie in 2008-09, when he appeared in 77 games, scoring five goals, 12 assists, and 17 points.
Ratchuk joins the Nailers as a two-time champion in his career, having won the 2013 Kelly Cup with the Florida Everblades, while also winning the 2007 National Championship with the Michigan State University Spartans.
"After talking with Clark Donatelli this summer, Wheeling seemed like a good opportunity for me, and that the team's style of play is well-suited for an offensive defenseman like me," said Ratchuk. "I am hoping to contribute here as much as I can, bringing some experience to help the younger guys out, especially after being part of a team that won the Kelly Cup."
The Nailers open the 2013-14 regular season against one of Mike Ratchuk's former teams, when they welcome the Elmira Jackals to WesBanco Arena on Friday, October 18th at 7:00.
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ECHL Stories from August 9, 2013
- Wranglers Add Nehring to Roster - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Nailers Sign Former Kelly Cup Champion, Mike Ratchuk - Wheeling Nailers
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